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ABIGAIL WILLIAMS Premiere New Single ‘Nonexistence’ + Reveal Album Formats & Pre-Orders

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ABIGAIL WILLIAMS. Leave a comment
Photo credit: Agonia Records

American black metallers ABIGAIL WILLIAMS premiere the first single off their recently announced sixth studio album “A Void Within Existence,” coming on July 18th via Agonia Records. 

Listen to “Nonexistence” – the band’s first new music in six years – at this location:

The follow-up to 2019’s critically acclaimed “Walk Beyond the Dark” marks a new chapter in the band’s relentless evolution; an album that not only expands upon the atmospheric darkness and melodic brutality of its predecessor, but pushes further into extremes, both sonically and emotionally.

Produced by frontman Ken Sorceron and mixed by renowned engineer Dave Otero (Aborted,Akhlys), “A Void Within Existence” is a scorched offering of black metal transcendence: harrowing, cinematic, and utterly uncompromising. Drums are performed by the virtuosic Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Ghost Bath), whose work here blurs the line between precision and chaos.

Lyrically, the album dives deep into existential themes of loss, disintegration, and unreality. Tracks like “Still Nights” and “No Less Than Death” reflect on identity through surreal and fragmented images – distant lights, poisoned memories, dreams where “there is no pain.” Elsewhere, songs like “Embrace The Chasm” and “Life, Disconnected” summon visions of cosmic dread and personal oblivion, confronting the listener with raw emotion and esoteric vision.

The record is accompanied by striking cover art from Eliran Kantor (Testament, Bloodbath), whose visual interpretation mirrors the inner desolation and mythic scope of the music.

“This record was born in the quiet hours, when everything felt hollow,” Sorceron reflects. “«A Void Within Existence» isn’t just a title – it’s a feeling I couldn’t shake while writing. There’s a loneliness threaded through these songs that came from somewhere deeper than I expected. The world outside was falling apart, and in a way, so was the one inside. I wanted to push beyond the limits we explored on «Walk Beyond the Dark». Sonically, emotionally, spiritually – nothing was off-limits. I produced the album to stay close to that vision, and with Dave Otero on the mix and Mike Heller behind the kit, everything came to life exactly how I heard it in my head: raw, vast, and crushing. This is a record about absence. About peeling away what isn’t real – examining the void left behind. If there’s anything left after that – maybe it’s the truth. Maybe it’s just the void. Either way, this is the most honest I’ve ever been. «A Void Within Existence» is more than an album. It’s a crucible – a journey through the fire where only shadow and silence remain.”

Surpassing its 20th year of existence (having been formed in 2004), ABIGAIL WILLIAMS has upgraded its formula to a quartet, comprising Ken Sorceron (ex-Aborted, ex-The Faceless, Vale Of Pnath, Nachtmystium) on vocals and guitars, Vance Valenzuela (Vale Of Pnath) on guitars, John Porada (ex-Nachtmystium, ex-Wolvhammer) on bass and Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy) on drums. With Sorceron retaining his leading role, the band expands on its unique and intensive sound, forged throughout five studio albums, and anchored in black metal with shades of death metal & symphonic metal.

Tracklisting:
1. Life, Disconnected
2. Void Within
3. Nonexistence
4. Still Nights
5. Talk To Your Sleep
6. Embrace The Chasm
7. No Less Than Death

Line-up:
Ken Sorceron – vocals, guitars
Vance Valenzuela – guitars
John Porada – bass
Mike Heller – drums

Pre-orders: https://abigail-williams.com/

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS on-line:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbigailWilliamsBand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailwilliamsofficial/
Spotify
Apple Music

DESEKRYPTOR’s New EP “Sarcophagal Corridors” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DESEKRYPTOR. Leave a comment

The new EP from DESEKRYPTOR, “Sarcophagal Corridors”, is out now via Nuclear Winter Records and streaming in full.

Stream “Sarcophagal Corridors” HERE.

Marking a bold shift in their creative approach, the band deconstructed their usual songwriting method by starting with drums instead of riffs. Percussionist P.A. recorded raw, unanchored drum tracks that guitarist E.S. then manipulated and smothered with riffs designed to overpower the rhythms. While the unorthodox process could have resulted in utter chaos, it instead gave birth to some of the most refined and structurally cohesive material the band has produced to date.

“Sarcophagal Corridors” stands as a testament to DESEKRYPTOR’s willingness to experiment without losing sight of the malicious death metal core that defines them.

Tracklist:

01. Penance of Hemorrhaging Wrath
02. Sarcophagal Corridors
03. Leprous Exsanguination
04. Umbilical Stigmata

For nearly a decade now, Indiana’s DESEKRYPTOR have been patiently perfecting their craft. In 2017 arrived two demos – “Demo 2016” and “Chasm of Rot” – which were then collected together under the title of the latter and released by Blood Harvest Records on cassette later that year. A year later came a split with comrades Draghkar, and the momentum seemed to be in DESEKRYPTOR‘s favor: good ‘n’ gutted death metal, with a bit of a blackened singe. Five years of silence followed until the “Curse of the Execrated”” EP, which proved that the quartet had only become more poised and powerful during that hiatus.

In 2023, DESEKRYPTOR revealed the full fathom of that poise & power with their debut album, “Vortex Oblivion”. Aptly titled, “Vortex Oblivion” is a churning ‘n’ spurning vacuum of charred riffing, mangled rhythms, and dread atmosphere. As they’ve proven in the past but more so display here, DESEKRYPTOR keenly navigate that spectral divide between classic / “old school” death metal and the genre’s tendrilous developments in recent years. From heads-down tank propulsion and doomed-out stomp on to atonal and/or angular twists and mesmerizing blackened slipstreaming, no tool of death metal’s ancient and modern schools is left untouched. But, above all, it’s the manner in which DESEKRYPTOR wield those tools that puts “Vortex Oblivion” over, the band’s songwriting acumen pulling it all together to create a seamless experience and still leaving plenty of atmosphere to spare as you’re summarily crushed – and then minced. This is what classic death metal debuts are made of!

Now, in 2025, DESEKRYPTOR are poised to return with a new slab of sonic decay: the “Sarcophagal Corridors” EP, set for release via Nuclear Winter Records. Continuing their descent into the depths of cavernous death metal, the new material promises to further sharpen the band’s singular approach, where ancient brutality and spectral darkness intertwine.

For fans of: Incantation, Immolation, Funebrarum, Triumvir Foul

https://desekryptor666.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/desekryptor/

LEONOV Release New Single/ Video ‘Auld Ashok’ + Announce “Shape of Ash” EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: LEONOV. Leave a comment
Photo credit: Caroline Teinum Gilje

Celestial doom metal quintet Leonov have released their captivating new single ‘Auld Ashok’, taken from their newly-announced forthcoming EP Shape of Ash, due 4th July via Pelagic Records.

Pre-order Shape of Ash and stream the single here: https://orcd.co/leonov

The band comment on the new single: “‘This song is a pulse we’ve followed for a long time without knowing. ‘Auld Ashok’ is a stoner meditation built around a single, mantric riff – less blues, more OM. Something old, coming into focus. 

“‘Auld Ashok’ is about shifting perspectives – how the character moves between seeing herself as at fault, default, or a treasure vault. It circles questions of confidence, self-worth, and what we’re capable of carrying.

“Performance artist Gunhild Kilde anchors the music video with a physical intensity that mirrors the song’s emotional weight. Shot and edited by Simen Skari, the film unfolds like a ritual.” 

For 15 years, Leonov have been honing their captivating brand of celestial doom metal. Named after Aleksej Leonov, the first human to take a walk in space, the Norwegians combine the melancholic slow burn of King Woman with the ethereal heaviness of Subrosa and an incredible voice that is undeniably reminiscent of Julie Christmas.

Shape of Ash showcases the refined sound of a band whose career has been a similar slow burn as their music. A band who have managed to stay together and create music throughout all these years, despite the odds of families and the real world.

Like staring into a purgatory bonfire, listening to Shape of Ash is a powerfully entrancing experience. Dealing with themes of helplessness, uncertainty, conflict and resolution, these four songs touch upon the many adversities of life. 

“We envisioned the image of a holy woman in flames, peacefully smiling”, vocalist Tåran comments on the theme of the album. “It represents fire as a means of purification. We become better versions of ourselves through burning off our ego and through enduring the suffering of the human condition. To become truly human is partaking in a process of evolving, striving, being changed through love and adversity.”

From the swaying rhythm that introduces album opener ‘Samaritan’ to the heavenly ascension of the title track’s finale, Shape of Ash is an EP with many surprising facets and nuances. It is the first time the band recorded their instruments separately, as opposed to playing live as a band in the studio. “This really made a difference in the amount of time we were able to give each voice”, says Tåran about the recording process. Calling each instrument a voice is an unusual yet fitting way of describing the interplay of instruments on Shape of Ash. 

Forever Now track list:

1. Samaritan
2. Auld Ashok
3. Bygg en menneskekropp
4. Shape of Ash

These four songs come together to portray a strikingly human conversation that is both fiery and embracing. There is always an ebb and flow of intensity which leaves us to discover a mysterious tenderness, which finds its pinnacle in the duet between Tåran and Norwegian folk singer Syvert Feed (Jake Ziah). Structured as an argument between a couple, ‘Bygg en Menneskekropp’ features an incredible vocal performance filled with so much injustice and pain it will leave you longing for a resolution, which is provided gratuitously by the epic bridge. Channelling prime Led Zeppelin in a grand melodic theme (think ‘Kashmir’ or ‘No Quarter’) the song ends with a wonderful unison from both vocalists leading the way to the EP’s monumental finale. The ultimate title track functions as the final cleansing, the one end to all suffering and at the same time an experience of rapt ecstasy. 

On Shape of Ash, Leonov create moments of primordial heaviness on which Tåran‘s unique voice floats atop, blends in effortlessly in some moments and takes reserved distance in others. With the four songs that make up this stunning EP, the band set the bar incredibly high for their upcoming full length album. 

Leonov are:

Rune Gilje – guitars
Jon-Vetle Lunden – drums
Ole Jørgen Reindal – guitars
Morten Kjelling – bass
Tåran Reindal – vocals & organ

More information: INSTAGRAM • FACEBOOK • BANDCAMP

LEVERAGE Share New Lyric Video ‘Tales Of The Night’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Leverage. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Johanna Ahonen

Finnish heavy rock juggernauts Leverage share their latest single and official lyric video, “Tales Of The Night”, taken from their upcoming new album “Gravity”, out on June 20th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order “Gravity” HERE

Guitarist Tuomas Heikkinen described the new single: “There’s some Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers” vibe in the opening, on purpose.  I also wanted to get that thumping quarter note bass in there, along with the song being pretty 80’s altogether. The song came together fairly easily; it was like one part leading to another like it sometimes is on a good day. By the time I had cued the vocals and wrote the lyrics for Paolo, I knew he would shine on it. And he really delivered, not just the lead but the choirs, too. It came out great”.

Vocalist Paolo Ribaldini added: “This track is Leverage at their most haunting and human. Tuomas weaves harmony and melody with razor-sharp instinct, building an atmosphere that’s both cinematic and claustrophobic. The bass-driven verses stalk the shadows – then the chorus crashes in like a wall. You feel it more than hear it. It’s a song about sorrow, yes, but also empathy, survival, and that raw, almost primal connection to the heartbreak built into being human”.

Leverage’s future seemed uncertain after the untimely passing of singer’s Kimmo Blom in the summer of 2022. However, founding member and main songwriter Tuomas Heikkinen decided the final hour for the band was not in sight yet. Outstanding singer Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, ex-Skiltron) and violinist Lotta-Maria Heiskanen joined with the precise task to renew and refresh the sound of the band.
 
The resulting album “Gravity”, the band’s sixth full-length in slightly less than twenty years, aptly showcases contemporary heavy rock sound, combining multiple influence from the genre’s golden era with the band’s own unique flair and personality. Plenty of ear-catching melodies delivered skilfully with a pristine top-of-the-line production.
 
Leverage is neither a power metal band, nor an AOR band, nor a nostalgic tribute to the ’80s. Instead of falling into one category, they have bent and redefined genre frontiers, thus developing their own style of heavy rock. The sonic stamp says “Leverage”, and it speaks louder than words.
 
Leverage’s history is carved deep into the DNA of the new album “Gravity”: the grand melodic traditions of the debut “Tides” (2007) and the sophomore “Blind Fire” (2008), the symphonic flair of “Circus Colossus” (2009), and the darker, more mature tones of “Determinus” (2019) and “Above The Beyond” (2021) all find new life here. But “Gravity” doesn’t simply revisit the past—it elevates it.

The band’s Mark 3 line-up now includes Tuomas Heikkinen (guitars), Marko Niskala (keyboards), Elias Ojutkangas (drums), Sami Norrbacka (bass), Paolo Ribaldini (vocals) and Lotta-Maria Heiskanen (violin). Watch out for Leverage playing in a town near you!

“Gravity” Tracklist:

1.    Shooting Star
2.    Tales Of The Night
3.    Hellbound Train
4.    Moon Of Madness
5.    Eliza
6.    All Seeing Eye
7.    King Ghidorah
8.    Gravity  

Album Line Up:
Paolo Ribaldini – all vocals
Tuomas Heikkinen – guitars            
Marko Niskala – keyboards
Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums
Sami Norrbacka – bass
Lotta-Maria Heiskanen – violin

Follow LEVERAGE:
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HOLLER Release New Single ‘Crystal Eyes’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HOLLER. Leave a comment
photo by Luca Bagnoli

Holler has released “Crystal Eyes”, third single taken from the new album “Next In Line” to be released on May 23 by Scarlet Records.

“Crystal Eyes” tells the story of a man who’s trying to run away from his lady’s dangerous crystal eyes… but in the end he surrenders and declares his deep love for her.

“Next In Line”:

  • sophomore album for the hard rock/AOR project of the former Eldritch frontman;
  • Brooklyn-born Terence Holler keeps revealing his very own American classic rock influences;
  • featuring a cool hard rock cover version of Sia 2014’s hit “Chandelier”;
  • artwork by Luca ʻZeeroʼ Zironi (Game Over);

PRE-SAVE/PRE-ORDER

“Next In Line” tracklist:
1 A Miracle
2 Stormy
3 Chandelier
4 Don’t Fool Me
5 The Ocean
6 24Seven
7 Crystal Eyes
8 Trust
9 Away
10 The Leader
11 Perfect Place

Total running time – 50:00

artwork by Luca ʻZEEROʼ Zironi

After the successful 2024’s debut album “Reborn”, Terence Holler keeps digging into his 70s and 80s hard rock/AOR DNA and releases ten refreshing new songs that once again celebrate the absolute mystery of love.

Backed by a sensational band of technical masters, the Italian American singer is finally free to fully express his storytelling vein. “Next In Line” is a precious collection of memories and feelings: at times cocky and sensual, at times tender and moody, always heartfelt, sincere and honest.

Love is a funky & groovy affair according to the Holler recipe!

Holler:
Terence Holler – lead vocals
Denis Chimenti – guitar, backing vocals
Luca Fuligni – guitar, backing vocals
Matteo Chimenti – keyboards, backing vocals
Leonardo Peruzzi – bass, backing vocals
Alex ʻDemonoidʼ Lera – drums

THE COMMONERS Celebrate Release of “Live in the UK” Album Touring UK + Europa

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE COMMONERS. Leave a comment

Canadian Roots-Rock band The Commoners have released their new album The Commoners – Live in the UK to coincide with their UK and European tour.

Riding high off the strength of their previous releases, Find A Better Way and Restless,  the UK and European tour takes in a four-week tour across five countries, The Commoners: Live In The UK was recorded when the band were on tour in the UK in 2024.Released by Gypsy Soul Records, the album is available on CD and vinyl HERE, and digital HERE.

“The UK has become a second home for us,” says the Commoners bassist, Ben Spiller. “Over the last couple of years, we have had the pleasure of rocking dozens of shows over the course of 4 UK tours. Every time we head back things get bigger and better. On our last run through the UK with The Sheepdogs, we had the idea to record a few of our final shows. The recordings sounded huge, and we immediately knew we had to do something with them.”

Mixed and mastered by The Commoners’ lead guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo at RHC Music in Toronto, this album features nine tracks from the Find A Better Way and Restless albums, featuring extended intros, outros, solos, and brand new never-before-heard parts of the songs.

“This album means a lot to the band because what you hear is 100% authentically us,” says Citrullo. “It’s the true Commoners live show experience, captured from the perspective of a fan in the crowd. It’s loose, heavy, and full of energy. We were wrapping up a long tour when we recorded this… the band was riding high. You can feel the energy in the room, it’s electric.”

The first single from taken from the live album, “The Way I Am,” is available to stream HERE.

Stream the audio on YouTube at https://youtu.be/FFMGM_fycSg.

ALBUM TRACKLIST

1- Shake You Off (4:19)
2- The Way I Am (5:25)
3- Who Are You (4:19)
4- Gone Without Warning (4:26)
5- Restless (5:48)
6- See You Again (5:01)
7- Devil Teasin’ Me (6:54)
8- Fill My Cup (5:02)
9- Find a Better Way (5:58)

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Performed by The Commoners
Chris Medhurst, Ross Hayes Citrullo, Ben Spiller, Adam Cannon, and Miles Evans Branagh

Recorded live on tour in the UK in 2024.
Mixed and mastered by Ross Hayes Citrullo at RHC Music in Toronto, Canada.
Assistant Engineers: Gavin Sharman, Marc Pallascio and Andrew Champion
Special thanks to Conor Salmoral

All songs written by The Commoners
Co-Writers – Renan Yildizdogan (1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Jeff Desilets (1, 2)

Album Artwork / Design by Mitch Szitas

Live photos courtesy of Adam Littlemore, Aaron Thompson, Alex English, Andrew Ellis, David Pickles, Emma Painter, Finn McAuley, Gerry Driver, Haluk Gurer, Ian Potter, Manny Manson, Manuela Langotsch, Mark Powell, Mike Kirsanow, Miriam Demir, Paul Hutchings, Renan Yildizdogan, Scott Anderson, Terry Marland, Tom McKenzie, and Will Carter.

The Commoners would like to thank all their fans across the UK for their continued support. This album would not have been possible without you.

THE COMMONERS SPRING EUROPEAN & UK 2025 TOUR DATES
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THECOMMONERS.CA

MAY 14: DE – Support for DeWolff – Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
MAY 15: DE – Support for DeWolff – Frankfurt, Das Bett
MAY 16: DE – Support for DeWolff – Cologne, Kantine
MAY 17: DE – Support for DeWolff – Münster, Sputnikhalle
MAY 18: DE – Support for DeWolff – Hamburg, Übel & Gefährlich
MAY 20: FR – Chambéry – Brin De Zinc
MAY 23: FR – Beaumont En Véron – Le Temps Des Crises
MAY 24: FR – Bully Les Mines – Music Festival
MAY 25: NL – Bathmen, Skinny Lizard Festival
MAY 27: UK – London, Secret Acoustic Show
MAY 28: UK – Faversham, UK – The Old Brewery Store
MAY 29: UK – Southampton, The Joiners
MAY 30: UK – Lincolnshire, Call of the Wild Festival
MAY 31: UK – Chester, Live Rooms
JUN 1: UK – Newcastle, The Cluny
JUN 3: NL – Barlo, De Loods
JUN 5: SWE – Sölvesborg, Sweden Rock Festival
JUN 21: UK – Bournemouth, Love Rocks Festival
JUN 22: UK – Hertfordshire – Sign Of The Times Festival

More information: Website | Facebook | Spotify | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

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